For health, science or PhD programs, pursuing education beyond a bachelor’s degree involves deciding between schools who compete in educational standards as well as those who aid in establishing prospective careers.

To help assist in the decision-making process, Grand Valley State University organizations are sponsoring the Professional School Fair on March 25, when admission representatives from more than 60 professional programs will be available to speak with students to discuss programs and answer questions.

“Students can come learn about what they’re interested in and learn how to be a competitive applicant,” said Julie Amon, an academic advisor for pre-professional programs and coordinator for the fair.

The event helps highlight local, national and international schools that students may be interested in attending for their future educational plans. The fair hosts representatives from programs that include physical therapy, optometry, dentistry, public health, speech language pathology, occupational therapy and more.

“I went to last year’s fair and really got a good glance at what other programs are out there that I may never have known about,” said GVSU senior Jessica Purch. “It’s a great way to not only learn about other schools offering your program, but to talk with representatives who will help you in the competitive admissions process.”

The Professional School Fair will take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Grand River Room of the Kirkhof Center. The event is sponsored by the CLAS Academic Advising Center, the College of Health Professions, GVSU Pre-Professional Clubs and the Vice Provost for Health.

The fair is open to students attending GVSU, community colleges and other local universities, and it has been an annual tradition in an effort to enable students to learn about what they’re really interested in.

“Many students don’t have the time or money to spend to travel to other schools, so the fair brings schools that are diverse in geographic location to the students,” Amon said.

Justin Tarahomi, member of a GVSU’s pre-med club, the Vice Provost for Health and the Office of Student Life, helped fund this year’s fair, which is projected to have a 20 percent increase in attendees compared to last year’s attendance of nearly 300 students.

Another event for students interested in pursuing osteopathic medicine will follow the Professional School Fair. Gina Moses, M.Ed., the associate director of Recruitment and Applications Services for the American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine (AACOM), will host an Osteopathic Medicine presentation from 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. in Room 2263 of the Kirkhof Center on March 25. The presentation will involve 11 Osteopathic Medical Colleges from around the country.

Both events are free and do not require pre-registration, but those attending must bring their student ID to check-in. For a list of schools and programs registered to attend the Professional School Fair, visit
www.gvsu.edu/s/NS.  

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